When should a diver start his AOW?

[Ronniemu]

My OW certification was obtained last year. I have completed 12 dives and want to start my AOW, should I wait for more diviing experience? When did you go for your AOW? Any input would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

:11doh: Ronnie

 

[LiteHedded]

hey, the aow IS more experience right?!

 

[TennInstr]

The AOW is more experience and information with an instructor - a definite plus. Just remember when you get done with it to continue to dive within your experience and comfort level and you should be fine. Be safe and have fun.

 

[Captain CaveMan]

Well Ive been diving for 3 years steady now and Im way over the AOW level. But I am still learning every dive and Im just now taking it. I've been Dry suit and Nitrox cert for years now but the Only reason why is TDI says its a manditory to have AOW to do Tech. So im taking it now so this fall I can do Adv Nitrox and Adv Deep

 

[Fastmarc]

I went the route of gain some experience before starting my AOW which I am just now doing.
Just wanted to be sure I was comfortable with what I am doing and in a position to truly apply what I will learn.

 

[jonix]

i did my aow after 20 dives. it felt good as i was already comfortable with the equipment and the ocean by that time.

 

[Scubaguy62]

I did two dive trips after my OW (Nassau and Cozumel). I did my EAN cert before my AOW, but as I understand now, PADI has changed the requirements for EAN cert, but at any rate, the AOW is just an introduction to advanced diving. It is, nevertheless, more experience. Since Deep and Navigation are requirements, and you've logged about 12 dives since your OW, I would definitely recommend the peak performance buoyancy dive as part of your AOW. Night diving would be another definite if I were you.

After AOW, I would certainly recommend Rescue Diver, as it is a course I believe every diver should take, if it is only to learn the principles of self rescue.

 

[RICoder]

[Insert 'AOW is not equal to being an advanced diver' threads link here]

Anyhoo, I'd say get enough dives in to not feel like a complete newbie in the water, and then jump on AOW. IMO the ideal time to take AOW is after you feel semi-comfortable and before you become a fish. Just make sure you take PPB (PPB, PPB, PPB...and PPB). It will make your diving more enjoyable and safer, and you'll be educated enough when you take it to ask real world questions of the instructor.

[EDIT] oh yeah, and the part about Rescue that Scubaguy62 mentioned...totally agree [/EDIT]

 

[creamofwheat]

Eh, whenever you feel like it. If you want to do it now, go for it. If you want to dive a bit first, do that. Personal preference, really.

I did mine after something like 30 dives. Worked for me just fine. That being said, I know people who took it right after their OW class, so the first dive after OW certifcation was the first dive of AOW. Different strokes for different folks.

 

[Scottri]

I would suggest doing some diving between OW and AOW. I usually recommend 10 to 20 dives to get comfortable with what you learned during the open water course. You will enjoy the Advanced class much more if you are comfortable with the basic skills.